I am Christine Thel A.

Geollegue, a 2016 YSEALI Academic Fellow at the University

of Massachusetts - Amherst.

Currently, I am a graduating law student, a part-time college lecturer and an

elected Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) Chairperson in my community, Brgy.
Robles, La Castellana, Negros Islands, Philippines.

Sangguniang Kabataan is a council meant to represent the youth in each barangay,

the smallest unit of government in the Philippines. Barangay Robles is an interior
barangay located at the heart of the town of La Castellana, nestled at the foot of
the majestic Mt. Kanlaon volcano, surrounded by wide plains, carpeted by
sugarcane, rice fields and hills.

Being elected to represent the youth in local governance, I have established a

platform on youth empowerment through participation in youth related activities
and programs. We are also highlighting a platform to challenge our young people to
present, discuss and formulate meaningful measures to address youth concerns
and give them opportunities for their development.

Together with the US Government alums in my province, we came up with a

platform called UpSKillEd (Upgrading Skills through Education). Up SKillEd is
platform for collaboration and alternative education for youth leaders. This project
targets to bridge the youth leaders and their constituents to broader perspective of
community development, civic engagement and good governance through
education. Three months after election, I have conducted several programs and
projects already that capacitates the youth leaders in my barangay like training for
Parliamentary Rules and Procedures, Crafting of Resolutions and Ordinances, Youth
Assembly and Leadership Trainings.

We highlight trainings on Parliamentary Rules and Procedures, Crafting of

Resolutions, Public Speaking, Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Project
Management, Networking and Resource Mobilization.

My fellowship at the United States taught me different perspective on youth

participation in election and governance. It empowered me to be involved in our
government that’s why when the Youth Council law was reformed in the Philippines,
I was highly motivated to run of office and become a public servant to represent the
young people in my community and have a direct role in shaping policies and
programs by being involved in the local policy-making process.

Young people like us are considered to represent the future as we bring new ideas
and energy to add to the pool of knowledge that currently exists. In the booming
and harmonious ties between ASEAN and United States, we have the power to bring
enthusiasm and vitality which can lead to new discoveries and developments that
can benefit each other or even the world at large.

As a vector for youth development and civic engagement, we play an essential role
in promoting sustainable social and economic development for future generations.

As one ASEAN, I am looking forward to collaborate with passionate young leaders

across South East Asia and the United States as we unite together in making ripple
effects in our countries, promoting and investing to innovative projects and attest
that indeed, WE ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO LEAD!